Aboard · SELF-GUIDED TOURS
The 7 best self-guided tours you can book today, with what each costs, how long it runs and who it suits. Number one is top for a reason; start there.
Cruise Amsterdam’s historic canals for 75 minutes, passing the Anne Frank House, Westerkerk, Magere Brug, Rijksmuseum, NEMO, and more. Choose a snackbox, use audio commentary in 19 languages, or give children the Fresh Water Pirate story and booklet. Captain Brian may add lively local commentary.
“Lovely boat trip. Seeing Amsterdam from the canal is a must”
Board a Mega Lüfer yacht in Karaköy for a two-hour Bosphorus cruise past palaces, fortresses, bridges, and Maiden’s Tower. Choose daytime or sunset, use the nine-language mobile audio guide, and add snacks, dinner, or unlimited alcoholic drinks.
“A brilliant cruise. 2 hours to see all the main sights. We picked with dinner and that was a great decision. There were 3 courses and all high quality food with generous portions. Plenty of included drinks and a very friendly waiter.”
Cruise from the Eiffel Tower past Notre Dame, the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, and Pont Neuf on a spacious trimaran. Choose a 14-language audio guide or smartphone app, then head to the open top deck for wide city views and night photos.
“It was a great experience, there is an audioguide available that you can open on your phone and at the same time one of the guys on the boat does speak on the loudspeaker and gives you a brief description of what we are seeing. I'm not sure how well you can hear it on the top of the boat as we were sitting on the lower level outside. There is plenty of space to sit at the top uncovered, inside or on the sides of the boat.”
You’ll spend 90 minutes aboard a modern electric ship sailing from Oslo Fjordhage around the inner Oslofjord. See Akershus Fortress, Bygdøy, Hovedøya, Gressholmen, and the Opera House from the water, with a free multilingual audio guide, Wi-Fi, a café-bar, and accessible decks.
“Great to see Oslo and surrounds from the water as night fell.”
From Eminönü, you’ll cruise between Europe and Asia past Dolmabahçe Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, Rumeli Fortress, Beylerbeyi Palace, and Maiden’s Tower. Sea Land Travel Agency provides multilingual commentary, phone-based audio in 11 languages, free Wi-Fi, Turkish tea, Nescafé, and a sunset departure option.
“Fun to watch the Istanbul town. The guiding is clear, recommended!”
Take a 45-minute Vistula cruise from Wiślany Ogród past Wawel Castle, the Bernatek Footbridge, Church on the Rock, and Manggha Centre. Choose daylight or after sunset, listen to English or Polish commentary, and use the heated lower deck or upper deck with blankets.
“I booked it last minute and they were so accommodating! I opted for the 45 minute tour over the 30 minute and oh boy was it worth it. The guide is so educated on his city and its history. I’d do it over again if I had the time!”
From the Magnifico Douro pier in Pinhão, you cruise beneath the iron bridge and upriver toward Tua before returning. The two-hour trip uses a traditional Rabelo boat with open and covered seating. Download the free app in advance, bring earphones, and expect vineyard views rather than a live guide.
“Highly recommend the two hour tour that takes you to Tua to see the Dam”
Pick a river, a coast or a harbour.
